Seachem Flourite Black Sand
Also sold as Flourite Black Sand · FBS · Fluorite Black Sand
Seachem Flourite Black Sand is an inert clay or lava gravel with a 0.3–1 mm grain. It holds some nutrients, which is what decides whether it suits your plants and your shrimp.
At a glance
| Type | Inert clay or lava gravel |
|---|---|
| Nutrients | Some |
| Grain | 0.3–1 mm |
| Brand | Seachem |
| Effect on pH | Neutral |
| Ammonia when new | None |
| Shrimp | Suits Neocaridina |
Before it goes in
- Seachem Flourite Black Sand is an inert clay or lava gravel, 0.3–1 mm grain.
- It is lightly fertilised: root feeders grow in it without root tabs.
- It is pH-neutral: whatever comes out of your tap is what the tank sits at.
- It releases no ammonia, so livestock can go in as soon as the tank is cycled.
- It suits Neocaridina, which want harder water than Caridina do.
What kind of substrate is it?
Inert clay or lava gravel with a 0.3–1 mm grain, holding some nutrients.
Does it change pH?
No — it is inert and leaves your tap water where it is.
Does it leach ammonia?
No, so you are not waiting on it to stop before stocking.
Can I use it on its own?
Yes — Seachem Flourite Black Sand is a complete substrate on its own.
What it goes with
- Root feeders that get the most out of it: Cryptocoryne wendtii, Dwarf Hairgrass Mini, Lobelia cardinalis 'Mini' and Alternanthera reineckii.
- Animals that are fine on it: Betta, Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish and Angelfish.
Often compared with
| Seachem Flourite Black Sand | Seachem Flourite Black | Seachem Flourite | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Inert clay or lava gravel | Inert clay or lava gravel | Inert clay or lava gravel |
| Nutrients | Some | Some | Some |
| pH | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| Grain | 0.3–1 mm | 4–8 mm | 3–8 mm |
| Leaches ammonia | No | No | No |